Troops undergo final training ahead of peacekeeping mission in volatile region
Over 300 Defence Forces personnel are preparing to deploy to Lebanon this May as part of Ireland’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping.
The 126th Infantry Battalion, which includes 298 Irish troops and 10 members of the Armed Forces of Malta, will take over from the 125th Infantry Battalion, deployed since November 2024.
This deployment features a mix of first-time peacekeepers and seasoned Non-Commissioned and Commissioned Officers.
Most of the personnel are drawn from the 1st Brigade, with Galway’s 1st Infantry Battalion (An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe) leading the unit.
Ahead of their deployment, troops are undergoing a Mission Readiness Exercise, which tests their ability to operate effectively in challenging scenarios.
The training reflects the realities of peacekeeping in southern Lebanon, a region that remains volatile and complex due to ongoing tensions and the presence of unexploded ordnance.
The exercise ensures that the battalion is fully prepared for its role in maintaining stability and supporting the local population in the area of operations.

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